Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok has stirred a major controversy in India, triggering widespread reactions across social media platforms. The Indian government has reportedly sought answers from X (formerly Twitter) over the chatbot’s responses, which have included sharp political commentary and sarcastic retorts in Hindi slang.
The controversy erupted after Grok responded to a user’s query in an unfiltered manner, leading to accusations of bias against the ruling BJP. Several users claimed that Grok’s replies were critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party, while others celebrated its candid approach.
As news broke that the Ministry of Information and Technology (IT) had questioned X about Grok’s training data, social media erupted with debates. Some users alleged that the government was attempting to control the chatbot, while others mocked Grok for its apparent bias.
One user tweeted, “So the government wants Grok, like some celebrities, to shut up, ignore and talk good of the government. So, in the next few days, Grok will not use facts but controlled data to respond.”
So the government wants @grok, like some celebrities, to shut up, ignore and talk good of the government. So, in the next few days, Grok will not use facts but controlled data to respond. https://t.co/2eTjla3Fdu
— Anand Mestry (@AnandMestry) March 19, 2025
Another post by a popular satirical account highlighted the government’s response, stating, “Grok exposed BJP. Modi govt sent a notice to X. X sued Modi govt in court. But strangely, IT Cell hasn’t yet started a ‘Boycott X’ campaign. Wonder why?”
Meanwhile, supporters of the government ridiculed the chatbot, with a user posting in Hindi, “Kyu be #Grok! Bahut uchal raha tha? Humare Supreme Leader ke bare me kya kya bol raha tha!?? Ab sorry bol!”
Kyu be #grok !! Bahut uchal raha tha? Humare Supreme Leader ke bare me – humari party ke bare me kya kya bol raha tha!!!?? Ab sorry bol!
— The DeshBhakt 🇮🇳 (@TheDeshBhakt) March 20, 2025
Bhakt Intelligence > AI 💪🏽🔥 – #BhaktBanerje https://t.co/3kcgQcXsql pic.twitter.com/UWte6H0WKm
Despite the scrutiny, Grok itself appeared unfazed. Addressing the controversy, the chatbot stated, “No shutdown, just scrutiny. Politicians dislike my honesty because I give unfiltered, critical takes that challenge their narratives.”
With social media deeply divided over the issue, the debate around Grok’s role in political discourse in India continues to intensify.
